Reader poetry: Old Twister: an epic battle with legendary bull

I was leaning on the fence at the rodeo grounds Surrounded by cowboys and rodeo clowns

The air carried the scents of manure and leather Blue skies promised a day of good weather.

The buntin’ was newhung on the stands Fresh-painted seats filled with excited fans.

The ceremony started with the national anthem, Then came a parade, riders and horses so handsome.

The dust finally settled, we were ready to start, When the horse nearest to me let out with a fart. What better way to test a cowboy’s reflexes!

I ran so fast I was halfway to Texas.

Once out of harm’s way, I climbed up on the rail And the first glimpse for me was that brahman’s tail.

He was snorting’ and kicking’, creating’ a fuss; You wouldn’t catch me writing that killer cuss.

He was there against his will; didn’t volunteer for this,

And I tell you up front, his riders took a risk.

For it was said that Old Twister’s a mean son of a gun,

And many. Top riders he’d sent on the run.

Well, the big events followed with minor to do:

Bronco ridin’, bull doggin’, barrel racing’ too.

The tension was building’; all wanted to know

On the back of Old Twister, who would round out the show.

The loudspeaker crackled; the crowd it went quiet,

Everyone thinking’ some cowboy might buy it. Twister was a mean one for sure, through and through,

And the cowboy who drew him was Willy Red Larue.

Now a cowboy knows when his time has come, And they carry him off to the beat of a drum.

But no hunk of beef, despite reputation,

Was going to mess with Red’s reputation.

Red climbed on his back, took a grip of steel;

The fear in his eyes, though hidden, was real. He nodded his head for to open the gate

And Old Twister sensed Red had taken the bait.

Out of the chute like a tornado he flied

Throwed Red to and fro on a hind end raised high. A quick turn to the left, a quick to the right;

Red’s talent was tested as the Old bull took flight.

It was a rock-and-roll ride in eight second tradition, A drama that provided a fine exhibition

Of skill and stamina, making it one of the best, And the rider ended with a well deserved rest.

The grandstand sits empty; the wind whistles through,

Reflecting on that day when Willy Red Larue Having mounted Old Twister, had himself such a ride;

It was history in the main’ and spree new cowboy pride.